#United States #New York #Lupus Research Alliance #mentorship program #SLEuro

Celebrating the 2026-2027 SLEuro Mentorship Program Recipients

In a momentous announcement, the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA), recognized as the largest private funding entity for lupus research globally, has congratulated the new participants of the 2026–2027 European Lupus Society (SLEuro) Mentorship Program. This initiative is dedicated to training the future leaders in both lupus research and clinical care. The program, supported by the LRA, comes at a critical time when specialists and researchers in lupus are needed more than ever.

The SLEuro Mentorship Program endeavors to provide young physicians with an enriching eight-week training experience at prestigious SLEuro Centers across Europe. Through this immersive experience, participants will not only enhance their clinical and research skills but also develop impactful projects that they can implement upon returning to their home institutions.

Dr. Teodora Staeva, Chief Scientific Officer of the LRA, articulated the significance of this mentorship: "Transforming lupus research and care requires a global network of talented clinicians and scientists. Partnering with SLEuro allows us to support the training of the next generation of leaders." This sentiment underscores the LRA’s commitment to address the pressing need for more dedicated professionals who can advance lupus research and treatment methodologies.

A total of 20 recipients have been selected from countries spanning Europe, Asia, Central America, and North America, demonstrating the global nature of the initiative. The diverse group includes:

• - Laura Gabriela Amador Reyes (Mexico) at Hospital Clinic De Barcelona with Prof. Ricard Cervera
• - Dan Buzescu (Romania) at University College London with Prof. Anisur Rahman
• - Filipa Canhão André (Portugal) at Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua with Prof. Andrea Doria
• - Diana-Elena Cosau (Romania) at UIC – Unidade de Imunologia Clínica – Hospital de Santo António with Prof. António Marinho
• - Irina Andrada Craciun-Ionescu (Romania) at University Hospital of Iraklio and University of Crete Medical School with Profs. George Bertsias and Mary Adamaki
• - Roberto Depascale (Italy) at CHUC Lupus Clinic with Prof. Luís Inês
• - Stoimen Dimitrov (Bulgaria) at Karolinska University Hospital with Prof. Ioannis Parodis and Dr. Aleksandra Antovic
• - Natalia Dulak (Poland) at University of Leeds with Prof. Edward Vital
• - Sabin George (India) at Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc with Prof. Frederic Houssiau
• - Sonja Golubovic (Serbia) at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire De Bordeaux with Prof. Christophe Richez
• - Giedre Januskeviciute (Sweden) at Center for Genomics and Oncological Research with Prof. Marta E. Alarcón-Riquelme
• - Vladyslava Kachkovska (Ukraine) at Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit with Dr. Micaela Fredi and Dr. Cecilia Nalli
• - Illiasul Ibad Kanishantavida (India) at Leiden University Medical Center with Prof. Y.K. Onno Teng
• - Tai-Ju Lee (Taiwan) at Leiden University Medical Center with Prof. Y.K. Onno Teng
• - Anastasia Madenidou (United Kingdom) at Karolinska University Hospital with Prof. Ioannis Parodis and Dr. Aleksandra Antovic
• - Takehiro Nakai (Japan) at Birmingham City Hospital with Prof. John Reynolds
• - Fathima Nujha Nasim (Sri Lanka) at CHUC Lupus Clinic with Prof. Luís Sousa Inês
• - Tatiana Pire García (Spain) at University of Leeds with Prof. Edward Vital
• - Elena Ragusa (Italy) at Karolinska University Hospital with Prof. Ioannis Parodis and Dr. Aleksandra Antovic
• - Darya S. Jalaledin (Canada) at Centre De Référence Maladies Rares, Hôpital Cochin with Prof. Nathalie Costedoat-Chalumeau

Dr. Luís Sousa Inês, the President of the European Lupus Society, emphasized the program's significance, stating, "This program is designed to nurture promising physicians at a pivotal point in their careers. Through hands-on training and mentorship from world-renowned experts, participants gain the skills and networks needed to make a meaningful impact in lupus research and patient care."

This mentorship program is not isolated but complements the ongoing scientific collaboration between the LRA and SLEuro. This partnership was recently highlighted at the 15th European Lupus Meeting held in Lisbon. The collective efforts of these organizations aim to push the boundaries of lupus research further, striving for better diagnostic methods, improved therapeutic options, and ultimately, a cure for lupus.

Understanding Lupus

Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that impacts millions globally, with its effects primarily stemming from the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own cells. Characteristically, it leads to widespread inflammation and can damage various organs, including the kidneys, heart, and skin. The condition predominantly afflicts women, particularly those aged between 15 and 45, with disproportionate impact observed in Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities.

The Lupus Research Alliance's commitment extends beyond funding; as a recognized non-profit organization, all administrative costs are handled by the Board of Directors, ensuring that 100% of donations directly support lupus research initiatives. This unique pledge magnifies the significance of contributions made towards this essential cause.

As we look to the future of lupus research and care, the LRA stands poised at the forefront, cultivating talent, fostering innovation, and driving discovery for the millions affected by this challenging disease.